AKang269

Basically just this, what're the best quality bike trainers for under $100?

I don't care too much for noise, just as long as it's not ridiculously loud.

Nagrom_

Hm. Well it really depends on the bike.

Could you provide pictures?

Scrodzilla

You may be better off asking in the road forum or general cycling.

Spoonrobot 

Anything off Craigslist. Right now trainers are cheap but they'll blow up during winter when everyone stays inside for the off-season. I've seen Kurt Kinetics (arguably the best trainer you can buy) that usually retail for @$300 listed repeatedly for $100.

Oddly enough, Wikipedia has an excellent write-up on the different types. Are you planning to ride fixed on the trainer?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_trainer

AKang269

Thanks, and yeah i plan on riding fixed on the trainer.
Is there anything I should know about it?

bfloyd6969

Sometimes you can find CycleOps Wind trainers on sale for around a hundred. I have one and am going on my fifth year with no troubles. Not much can go wrong with a wind trainer.

sleepytor

I could teach you a few things for under $100, I'll even keep my voice down.

Bat56

Ftfy

Bat56

If you're doing it fixed, get rollers.

AKang269

Is there a reason for this? Because I think I'd prefer a trainer.
Why are rollers better for fixed?

solipsist716

Never quick enough to the trigger!

Anyhoo, Graber makes one that's in that price range I think.

Spoonrobot 

Rollers are generally considered better because you have to balance instead of just sit there. Enforces a smooth pedal stroke and keeps those muscles that stabilize you in good working order.

If you plan to ride indoors more than 3 times a week I'd recommend rollers, but a regular trainer is still fine, just not as ideal.

ThermionicScott 

+1

danvuquoc

Problem with $100 trainers is longevity, I wouldn't be surprised if a $100 fluid trainer burst open and leaked oil all over the carpet after a month of use.
Used you might be able to get some good deals.
Rollers are a good option but generally don't offer any resistance for around $100.

Trainers are good if you're going to either interval training or zoning out in front of the tv for cardio.
Rollers are probably just good for cardio and stability in your core, they're going to suck for intervals and you can't really do anything else while you use them.

tgscordv6

Kurt Kinetics trainers offer adapters for track hubs.

Not sure about other companies.

AKang269

Well what rollers or trainers(used or new) under $100 do you guys recommend for someone who is riding fixed gear and is looking to increase his average speed from 17mph to 23mph+?
If I get some, I'll be using them nearly everyday.

bfloyd6969

No specific trainer will increase your speed from 17mph to 23mph - this is done by the type of training you do. There are two different types of speed increase - bigger gear and mash, or higher rpm and spin. A wind trainer can work nicely for improving your higher rpm and spin, while a variable resistance trainer can work better for psuedo bigger gear and mash (with the use of variable resistance settings).

BigJeff

Um... I've never heard of anyone getting faster due to the trainer.


I have magneto trainer from Jenson USA (they're my LBS) it's in your price range. But I'd swap out your rear tire for something you don't mind wearing out FAST.

trainers destroy rear tires and it is cheaper to just swap the rubber than to buy a complete separate training wheel and cassette.

AKang269

I know it won't increase my speed but can't it replicate actual riding on the road?

Isn't there a way I can train on rollers or trainers that will be like actually riding?
Because riding outside all the time can be a hassle, especially when it's extremely hot, especially here in SoCal. Even in the winter, I'm busy and just hopping on the trainer or roller could save me lots of time. I don't necessarily want to use it for bad weather, I just want it to be able to replace my outdoor training sessions.
Can riding on rollers give me the results I want?

Or basically, will 20 miles of riding on the rollers give me the same results as riding 10 miles on the road?

Spoonrobot 

You don't do mileage on an indoor cycling analogue. You do time. If you want to get faster, you need to do intervals. Find a trainer that has variable resistance settings and start doing intervals.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-in...erval_training

tgscordv6

https://www.cycleops.com/en/products/...category_id=20

Bat56

Average speed over the course of what distance?

Put your front wheel on a stack of phone books to replicate going uphill. Climbing helps speed.